28 Have Died in Massachusetts Fires Since Dec. 1

MASSACHUSETTS — Since Dec. 1 of last year, 28 home fires occurred in the state that resulted in one or more fatalities. In nearly 60 percent of those fires, the smoke alarms were either not working, or there was no smoke alarm on the premises at all.

Last week, State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey joined other leaders with the Fire Chiefs' Association of Massachusetts, the Fire Prevention Association of Massachusetts, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, and many of the fire chiefs who have had a fatal fire in their community, to address the large number of fatal fires this winter where there were no working smoke alarms.

“The fire service stands here today asking for the public’s help to prevent more fire deaths. This weekend, when you change your clocks, take the time to put new batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as well,” said said Ostroskey in a statement.

Wellesley Fire Chief Richard DeLorie, president of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts said, added in the announcement, “Many of the fire deaths have been older adults. We encourage seniors to ask for help testing their smoke alarms, replacing the batteries, or installing new ones. Call your local fire department of senior center for help.”

Fires with fatalities since Dec. 1, 2015, in Massachusetts:

• Dec. 4, 2015 in Lynn; 4 deaths. Undetermined if smoke alarm worked.
• Dec. 13, 2015 in Worcester; 2 deaths. No smoke alarm
• Dec. 19, 2015 in Westport; 1 death. Undetermined if smoke alarm worked.
• Dec. 20, 2015 in Brockton; 1 death.
• Dec. 23, 2015 in Westfield; 1 death. No smoke alarm.
• Jan. 11, 2016 in Gloucester; 1 death. No alarm operated.
• Jan. 11, 2016 in Boston; 1 death.
• Jan. 19, 2016 in Scituate; 1 death.
• Jan. 28, 2016 in Groton; 2 deaths. No smoke alarm.
• Feb. 6, 2016 in North Andover; 1 death. Smoke alarm did not operate.
• Feb. 10, 2016 in Fitchburg; 2 deaths. Smoke alarm did not operate.
• Feb. 11, 2016 in Attleboro; 1 death. No smoke alarm.
• Feb. 14, 2016 in Fall River; 1 death. No smoke alarm.
• Feb. 16, 2016 in Orange; 1 death. Smoke alarm did not operate.
• Feb. 17, 2016 in Plymouth; 1 death. Smoke alarm operated.
• Feb. 20, 2016 in Natick; 1 death.
• Feb. 21, 2016 in Wales; 1 death. Smoke alarm did not operate.
• March 1, 2016 in Leominster; 1 death. Smoke alarm did not operate.
• March 5, 2016 in Boston; 1 death. Smoke alarm operated.
• March 5, 2016 in Orange; 2 deaths. Smoke alarm did not operate.
• March 8, 2016 in West Newbury; 1 death. No smoke alarm.

Many fire departments have Senior SAFE programs funded by a grant from the state Department of Fire Services to help older adults be safe from fire. Older adults account for about one-third of all fire deaths in Massachusetts.

“Through the Student Awareness of Fire Education or S.A.F.E. Program," said Lt. Stephen LaVoie, president of the Fire Prevention Association of Massachusetts, in a statement, "we have significantly cut the number of children who die in Massachusetts fires. The terrible fire in Orange reminds us that we must all protect families by making sure we have working smoke alarms on every level of the home and a practiced home escape plan.”

Ostroskey added, “Fire doesn’t make an appointment. It knocks suddenly. Protect your family, your children, and your parents by making sure they have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and that none are more than ten years old.”

Officials suggest purchasing a smoke alarm with a ten-year lithium battery.